The West Pacifican - Volume 10
Posted: Thu Mar 08, 2018 6:58 pm
The West Pacifican
Delegate's Discourse by Davelands, Delegate of TWP
One of the special aspects of The West Pacific is that we have a democratically elected government that ensures the citizens are represented and protected in the region. Every three months we hold a series of elections for the Speaker of the Hall of Nations and various other departments.
This was the second election that I have overseen as Delegate and it went very smoothly! Every candidate for each office took the time to post a position paper on the Forums and answered questions from the citizenry. It was great to see how much interaction there was as a lot of the questions were very pointed. I am proud of how well everyone performed, whether they won or lost.
In addition to the elections, there has been some turnover in the military. Altino has decided to step down as commander of TWPAF to focus her time on Osiris. I cannot begin to tell you how well she performed but being the first recipient of The West Pacific Medal of Honor should tell you how great she was in her role. We discussed a replacement and immediately decided on Overthinkers. He is a shining example of our Meritocracy, moving up through the ranks and taking on each and every job with enthusiasm and skill. I am sure that he will be just as good in leading our troops!
I am excited to see how the new government performs in the coming months. They have a lot of new ideas and I can’t wait to see them implemented! It is an exciting time to be in The West Pacific!
Interview with Mediobogdum by Mediobogdum, Guardian of TWP
Sylven: How did you first become involved in NS and subsequently TWP?
Mediobogdum: How did I become involved in NS? That is a story which is entwined with my other passion... family history! How come, you might say? How could these two seemingly poles-apart pastimes be linked? Let me explain. Just over 4 years ago I was searching my surname on the Internet and I came across it being used in The Xxxxxx Armament Company. I could hardly believe my eyes and had to delve further. It did not take long for me to find out that the "Armament Company" was part of an NS nation's role-play scenario that dealt with trading armaments. Intrigued, I ventured forth and joined the thronging mass of others who have become involved hook, line and sinker.
That, according to the NS Boneyard statistics, was 4 years and 207 days ago, and counting... My main nation, Mediobogdum, was born in The West Pacific and has remained there practically ever since.
S: Hm, interesting way to find the site.
What was your first goverment position in the best pacific?
M: I have actually not held any Government positions. This may seem a little odd for someone who has been an active NS player for as long as I have, but that aspect of the game I have been more than happy to leave to others, as my interests are more parochial, shall I say. Don't get me wrong, as a long-standing Guardian I do fully support the activities and actions of our Hall of Nations by voting and adding cogent (I hope) comments on proposed legislation and rules. But for me this is not a core interest. TWP has struggled for many years to maintain a vibrant, hard-working and large enough corps of players to form a lasting government structure for the region. There have been false starts and partial success stories over the past four years and I am delighted to see that the present governing structure looks as if it will be a success, having been built on the foundations laid by our previous Delegate, Badger.
S: You've been on NS for a while... how do you think discord has changed regional dynamics? And in a good way or bad?
M: There is a strong feeling held by many progressive players that Discord is the future medium for NS as a whole. Discord is in many ways a quantum leap in terms of display, functionality, and fun, as well as having a real touch of immediacy about it! With the multiplicity of Discord channels that have been deployed, it could easily swallow the functions of our RMB and off-site forum. Role-play has also taken a leap forward with Discord. In addition, our beloved TWPAF and its pirates have benefited hugely from Discord (the old irc and Skype methodology have been firmly placed in the 3rd Class carriages!) Role-play with a Regional Map, D&D, Spam channels, and many more are on tap in TWP's server.
However, I have watched what some see as the apparent bleeding of conversations in both quantity and quality on the RMB over the past two years or so, although some improvement has manifested itself more recently. Some of the decline is due to conversations being 'converted' onto Discord and some caused by new 'recruits' not being as active on the RMB as earlier players were. The quality of the posts has fallen mainly because many newer players never find their feet and of course, therefore, their full voice. It is good to see that both Badger and Davelands are working hard at integrating Discord and the RMB so that they complement each other.
Where the region has 'suffered' is in the off-site forum, where to say it is moribund would, regrettably, be an understatement. This has been a problem for the region for at least the past 3 years. None of this is directly the 'fault' of Discord, but the former's resurrection is being hampered by having discussions on both Discord and the off-site forum, where traditionally 'the way forward' for the region was formulated and plotted! For my part, having been in the game for only four and a half years, I cut my teeth on the RMB and the off-site forum. Yet, I have been perfectly happy to have a foot in both camps and regularly frequent some Discord channels, even though I find that at my age the multiplicity of Discord channels is rather disconcerting! I see Discord and the RMB as being equal in importance and stature, with players being free to treat one with reverence and the other as irrelevant, or as being equivalent to each other. Both have an equal and vital part to play in the future welfare of The Best Pacific. 8)
S: My final questions: what's your favorite thing about TWP and what's the coolest thing that's happened to you here? ^-^
M: Funnily enough, there was a RMB post recently by Coffee of the Day asking the exact same question. For me, there are a number of 'favs' but undoubtedly the top one is the RMB with all its snarky intricacies and interactions with other players. Often the discussion gets a little heated due to misunderstandings due to the nuances that the written word can impart, and the interplay of inferring and implying that radiates from the writer and reader! But my No 1 fun thing is the introduction of the ceremonial Trebuchet launching of miscreants from the region for reasons many and varied, at the discretion of delegate, guardians, and our RMB Watchdog, Yy4u. The build-ups to final launches have brought many a baying crowd to its feet! In the past, in my early days in TWP and prior to becoming a guardian, I was a very active member of some raiding regions and took part in many actions, often as a 'sleeper' in stealth raid operations. I even went so far as to write a 5-page set of guidelines for those aspiring to be a successful 'sleeper'. But those days are over for me at present because of my guardianship responsibilities.
However, this does lead me onto the second part of your question... 'Back in the day' when TWP used the region of Doll Guldur as a launch/assembly point for raids it was a very active place. However, due to its founder having CTE'd on more than one occasion, and the place being chockablock full of 'dead' puppets from a bygone era, the decision was taken to attempt a refound. After a very long, painstaking operation, greatly assisted by many allies, the region was finally in a position to be refounded, an event that took place some 7 months ago. As one of the four nations that attempted and achieved the final refound, this was one of my finest moments. The coolest moment was undoubtedly being awarded the title of Lord of Doll Guldur and being presented with a stylish flag by Cap'n Altino, our very own TWPAF leader, for my continued support of TWPAF throughout the region. =) Here is the flag:
Please disregard all the above, my ABSOLUTE FAVOURITE is Karaoke Friday!
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Theme
The Pirates Who Stole Saved Christmas
by Altino, Captain of TWPAF
Every pirate in the West Pacific likes Christmas a lot...
But the raiders, friends of the pirates, did NOT!
The raiders hated Christmas! Would Raid the whole region!
Now, please don’t ask why, no one quite knows the reason.
It could be they needed reputations just right
It could be, perhaps, they were just bored that night.
But I think that the most likely reason if all,
They sort of just liked to see regions fall.
Whatever the reason, for fun it news,
They always watched Christmas with hisses and boos.
Staring down from their nests with the evilest grins
They had natives of Christmas in needles and pins,
For they knew that all raiders on NationStates
Were busy now, plotting and planning which triggers to make
“Well, hang up your stockings,” raiders shouted with cheer
“This month is Christmas! It’s practically here!”
The natives all frowned, keyboards nervously drumming,
“We MUST find some way to keep Raiders from coming!”
The pirates, of course, loved a good raid as well
But Badger swooped in with stories to tell
“Our friends!” He cried to the good pirate crew
“FRIENDS! Our FRIENDS!” They all chanted too
All knew that Christmas needed their aid.
The officers thought “we must stop this raid!”
“Why, every year Christmas puts up with it now!”
“We MUST stop the raiders from coming, but HOW?”
Then they got an idea! An awful idea!
The pirates got a WONDERFUL, AWFUL IDEA
They would all help Christmas, the captain decided
In the natives’ defense, all pirate ships glided.
Every native in Christmas watched endos grow on Jul Hund
“Are we being raided?” They all whisperer stunned
“Not to worry,” cried Alti with glee
“It’s just all the pirates, my friends, and me!”
“I know that it’s cold, but don’t mind the weather!”
“All of us pirates brought holiday sweaters!”
The more other regions looked they thought, “We should join this thing!”
On came our friends from The Shining Host saying “What can we bring?”
“We must have a festive party to match this occasion!”
When the NPA, EPSA, and ERN saw this was no invasion,
They joined us for Christmas in the region so aptly named.
Bringing 41 and 2/3 endos no one could be blamed.
We had flags and sweaters, joyous polls too,
We hung stockings by the fireplace waiting for a coup.
But no such thing happened, it was quite a surprise,
To see no raider endorsements ever begin to rise.
The raiders seeing that Christmas isn’t just a holiday region,
But a concept of fellowship that is worthy of believing.
“Maybe Christmas,” they thought “Doesn’t come from a raid?”
“Maybe Christmas…perhaps…is nothing that can be made.”
But a place of interregional peace and cooperation
Perhaps we should join the fun and put in a peaceful nation?
And what happened, then? Well, in Christmas they say –
that the Raider’s small heart grew three sizes that day.
And then – the true meaning of Christmas came through,
and the Raiders found the strength of ten Raiders, plus two!
They stopped with all of their inborn destructive role
And just for one occupation, found the region agreeable.
Welcome Christmas. Bring your cheer,
Cheer to all nations, far and near.
The region of Christmas is in our grasp
So long as we have hands to grasp.
Our friends from Christmas will always be
Just as long as we have we.
Welcome Christmas while we stand
Heart to heart and hand in hand.
The City House by Skymoot
Within a city there worked a rich man and poor man. They got the same house blueprint from an architect’s office, and decided they would build the house of their dreams. The rich man returned to his manor and the poor man returned to his community.
The rich man called on the best construction company in the city. He ordered them to build the house, and to spare no expense in making it the prettiest house ever. Nothing less would do for a man with such refined tastes and personality.
And as the rich man’s home was being built, he rested with his decorated manor. He spent weeks relaxing by his fireplace, patiently waiting for the construction crew to finish. The only work he did for the house was in thinking of its completion.
On the other side of the city, the poor man called on his community to build the best house ever. They routinely came by and helped the man with food, supplies, and even house decorations. For the poor man, nothing else could’ve been better.
As the poor man’s home was being built, he treated others to parties, gifts, and helped wherever he could. Not one nail went into the house that he didn’t help to hammer in. Not one board of lumber was ever raised without the community’s help.
After months of work, the rich man inspected his new home. Despite the home’s lavish appearance, he didn’t like it. The house just didn’t feel like it was worth it. He returned to his manor, and never lived or even visited the home ever again.
For the poor man and his home, the community was ecstatic. They were proud of the beautiful house, and routinely visited. The poor man felt his home was what he’s always wanted, and the house never knew a day without someone to cherish.
As time went on, the rich man’s house rotted away. The clean walls smeared with mold. The polished windows tanned and cracked. The sturdy roof fell weak to the seasons and caved in. It was a hazard to the city, and the city tore it down.
But the poor man’s home flourished. He allowed the community to share in its warmth, and whenever the house even hinted of damage the community restored it to its shining glory. The house forever towered as a beacon of joy.
The End.
Delegate's Discourse by Davelands, Delegate of TWP
One of the special aspects of The West Pacific is that we have a democratically elected government that ensures the citizens are represented and protected in the region. Every three months we hold a series of elections for the Speaker of the Hall of Nations and various other departments.
This was the second election that I have overseen as Delegate and it went very smoothly! Every candidate for each office took the time to post a position paper on the Forums and answered questions from the citizenry. It was great to see how much interaction there was as a lot of the questions were very pointed. I am proud of how well everyone performed, whether they won or lost.
In addition to the elections, there has been some turnover in the military. Altino has decided to step down as commander of TWPAF to focus her time on Osiris. I cannot begin to tell you how well she performed but being the first recipient of The West Pacific Medal of Honor should tell you how great she was in her role. We discussed a replacement and immediately decided on Overthinkers. He is a shining example of our Meritocracy, moving up through the ranks and taking on each and every job with enthusiasm and skill. I am sure that he will be just as good in leading our troops!
I am excited to see how the new government performs in the coming months. They have a lot of new ideas and I can’t wait to see them implemented! It is an exciting time to be in The West Pacific!
Interview with Mediobogdum by Mediobogdum, Guardian of TWP
Sylven: How did you first become involved in NS and subsequently TWP?
Mediobogdum: How did I become involved in NS? That is a story which is entwined with my other passion... family history! How come, you might say? How could these two seemingly poles-apart pastimes be linked? Let me explain. Just over 4 years ago I was searching my surname on the Internet and I came across it being used in The Xxxxxx Armament Company. I could hardly believe my eyes and had to delve further. It did not take long for me to find out that the "Armament Company" was part of an NS nation's role-play scenario that dealt with trading armaments. Intrigued, I ventured forth and joined the thronging mass of others who have become involved hook, line and sinker.
That, according to the NS Boneyard statistics, was 4 years and 207 days ago, and counting... My main nation, Mediobogdum, was born in The West Pacific and has remained there practically ever since.
S: Hm, interesting way to find the site.
What was your first goverment position in the best pacific?M: I have actually not held any Government positions. This may seem a little odd for someone who has been an active NS player for as long as I have, but that aspect of the game I have been more than happy to leave to others, as my interests are more parochial, shall I say. Don't get me wrong, as a long-standing Guardian I do fully support the activities and actions of our Hall of Nations by voting and adding cogent (I hope) comments on proposed legislation and rules. But for me this is not a core interest. TWP has struggled for many years to maintain a vibrant, hard-working and large enough corps of players to form a lasting government structure for the region. There have been false starts and partial success stories over the past four years and I am delighted to see that the present governing structure looks as if it will be a success, having been built on the foundations laid by our previous Delegate, Badger.
S: You've been on NS for a while... how do you think discord has changed regional dynamics? And in a good way or bad?
M: There is a strong feeling held by many progressive players that Discord is the future medium for NS as a whole. Discord is in many ways a quantum leap in terms of display, functionality, and fun, as well as having a real touch of immediacy about it! With the multiplicity of Discord channels that have been deployed, it could easily swallow the functions of our RMB and off-site forum. Role-play has also taken a leap forward with Discord. In addition, our beloved TWPAF and its pirates have benefited hugely from Discord (the old irc and Skype methodology have been firmly placed in the 3rd Class carriages!) Role-play with a Regional Map, D&D, Spam channels, and many more are on tap in TWP's server.
However, I have watched what some see as the apparent bleeding of conversations in both quantity and quality on the RMB over the past two years or so, although some improvement has manifested itself more recently. Some of the decline is due to conversations being 'converted' onto Discord and some caused by new 'recruits' not being as active on the RMB as earlier players were. The quality of the posts has fallen mainly because many newer players never find their feet and of course, therefore, their full voice. It is good to see that both Badger and Davelands are working hard at integrating Discord and the RMB so that they complement each other.
Where the region has 'suffered' is in the off-site forum, where to say it is moribund would, regrettably, be an understatement. This has been a problem for the region for at least the past 3 years. None of this is directly the 'fault' of Discord, but the former's resurrection is being hampered by having discussions on both Discord and the off-site forum, where traditionally 'the way forward' for the region was formulated and plotted! For my part, having been in the game for only four and a half years, I cut my teeth on the RMB and the off-site forum. Yet, I have been perfectly happy to have a foot in both camps and regularly frequent some Discord channels, even though I find that at my age the multiplicity of Discord channels is rather disconcerting! I see Discord and the RMB as being equal in importance and stature, with players being free to treat one with reverence and the other as irrelevant, or as being equivalent to each other. Both have an equal and vital part to play in the future welfare of The Best Pacific. 8)
S: My final questions: what's your favorite thing about TWP and what's the coolest thing that's happened to you here? ^-^
M: Funnily enough, there was a RMB post recently by Coffee of the Day asking the exact same question. For me, there are a number of 'favs' but undoubtedly the top one is the RMB with all its snarky intricacies and interactions with other players. Often the discussion gets a little heated due to misunderstandings due to the nuances that the written word can impart, and the interplay of inferring and implying that radiates from the writer and reader! But my No 1 fun thing is the introduction of the ceremonial Trebuchet launching of miscreants from the region for reasons many and varied, at the discretion of delegate, guardians, and our RMB Watchdog, Yy4u. The build-ups to final launches have brought many a baying crowd to its feet! In the past, in my early days in TWP and prior to becoming a guardian, I was a very active member of some raiding regions and took part in many actions, often as a 'sleeper' in stealth raid operations. I even went so far as to write a 5-page set of guidelines for those aspiring to be a successful 'sleeper'. But those days are over for me at present because of my guardianship responsibilities.
However, this does lead me onto the second part of your question... 'Back in the day' when TWP used the region of Doll Guldur as a launch/assembly point for raids it was a very active place. However, due to its founder having CTE'd on more than one occasion, and the place being chockablock full of 'dead' puppets from a bygone era, the decision was taken to attempt a refound. After a very long, painstaking operation, greatly assisted by many allies, the region was finally in a position to be refounded, an event that took place some 7 months ago. As one of the four nations that attempted and achieved the final refound, this was one of my finest moments. The coolest moment was undoubtedly being awarded the title of Lord of Doll Guldur and being presented with a stylish flag by Cap'n Altino, our very own TWPAF leader, for my continued support of TWPAF throughout the region. =) Here is the flag:
Please disregard all the above, my ABSOLUTE FAVOURITE is Karaoke Friday!The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Theme
The Pirates Who Stole Saved Christmas
by Altino, Captain of TWPAFEvery pirate in the West Pacific likes Christmas a lot...
But the raiders, friends of the pirates, did NOT!
The raiders hated Christmas! Would Raid the whole region!
Now, please don’t ask why, no one quite knows the reason.
It could be they needed reputations just right
It could be, perhaps, they were just bored that night.
But I think that the most likely reason if all,
They sort of just liked to see regions fall.
Whatever the reason, for fun it news,
They always watched Christmas with hisses and boos.
Staring down from their nests with the evilest grins
They had natives of Christmas in needles and pins,
For they knew that all raiders on NationStates
Were busy now, plotting and planning which triggers to make
“Well, hang up your stockings,” raiders shouted with cheer
“This month is Christmas! It’s practically here!”
The natives all frowned, keyboards nervously drumming,
“We MUST find some way to keep Raiders from coming!”
The pirates, of course, loved a good raid as well
But Badger swooped in with stories to tell
“Our friends!” He cried to the good pirate crew
“FRIENDS! Our FRIENDS!” They all chanted too
All knew that Christmas needed their aid.
The officers thought “we must stop this raid!”
“Why, every year Christmas puts up with it now!”
“We MUST stop the raiders from coming, but HOW?”
Then they got an idea! An awful idea!
The pirates got a WONDERFUL, AWFUL IDEA
They would all help Christmas, the captain decided
In the natives’ defense, all pirate ships glided.
Every native in Christmas watched endos grow on Jul Hund
“Are we being raided?” They all whisperer stunned
“Not to worry,” cried Alti with glee
“It’s just all the pirates, my friends, and me!”
“I know that it’s cold, but don’t mind the weather!”
“All of us pirates brought holiday sweaters!”
The more other regions looked they thought, “We should join this thing!”
On came our friends from The Shining Host saying “What can we bring?”
“We must have a festive party to match this occasion!”
When the NPA, EPSA, and ERN saw this was no invasion,
They joined us for Christmas in the region so aptly named.
Bringing 41 and 2/3 endos no one could be blamed.
We had flags and sweaters, joyous polls too,
We hung stockings by the fireplace waiting for a coup.
But no such thing happened, it was quite a surprise,
To see no raider endorsements ever begin to rise.
The raiders seeing that Christmas isn’t just a holiday region,
But a concept of fellowship that is worthy of believing.
“Maybe Christmas,” they thought “Doesn’t come from a raid?”
“Maybe Christmas…perhaps…is nothing that can be made.”
But a place of interregional peace and cooperation
Perhaps we should join the fun and put in a peaceful nation?
And what happened, then? Well, in Christmas they say –
that the Raider’s small heart grew three sizes that day.
And then – the true meaning of Christmas came through,
and the Raiders found the strength of ten Raiders, plus two!
They stopped with all of their inborn destructive role
And just for one occupation, found the region agreeable.
Welcome Christmas. Bring your cheer,
Cheer to all nations, far and near.
The region of Christmas is in our grasp
So long as we have hands to grasp.
Our friends from Christmas will always be
Just as long as we have we.
Welcome Christmas while we stand
Heart to heart and hand in hand.
The City House by Skymoot
Within a city there worked a rich man and poor man. They got the same house blueprint from an architect’s office, and decided they would build the house of their dreams. The rich man returned to his manor and the poor man returned to his community.
The rich man called on the best construction company in the city. He ordered them to build the house, and to spare no expense in making it the prettiest house ever. Nothing less would do for a man with such refined tastes and personality.
And as the rich man’s home was being built, he rested with his decorated manor. He spent weeks relaxing by his fireplace, patiently waiting for the construction crew to finish. The only work he did for the house was in thinking of its completion.
On the other side of the city, the poor man called on his community to build the best house ever. They routinely came by and helped the man with food, supplies, and even house decorations. For the poor man, nothing else could’ve been better.
As the poor man’s home was being built, he treated others to parties, gifts, and helped wherever he could. Not one nail went into the house that he didn’t help to hammer in. Not one board of lumber was ever raised without the community’s help.
After months of work, the rich man inspected his new home. Despite the home’s lavish appearance, he didn’t like it. The house just didn’t feel like it was worth it. He returned to his manor, and never lived or even visited the home ever again.
For the poor man and his home, the community was ecstatic. They were proud of the beautiful house, and routinely visited. The poor man felt his home was what he’s always wanted, and the house never knew a day without someone to cherish.
As time went on, the rich man’s house rotted away. The clean walls smeared with mold. The polished windows tanned and cracked. The sturdy roof fell weak to the seasons and caved in. It was a hazard to the city, and the city tore it down.
But the poor man’s home flourished. He allowed the community to share in its warmth, and whenever the house even hinted of damage the community restored it to its shining glory. The house forever towered as a beacon of joy.
The End.
Liked the story? Want to read more? Contact me on my discord at “Fedora Dan – Skymoot#5645” or from my Minecraft username GearHead97. Thank you for reading my story, and hope to see you soon!